Water Walkers Workbook

Preface 7
How to Use This Guide 9

Session 1:
Whats Water-Walking? 15
Session 2:
The Tragedy of the Unopened Gift 47
Session 3:
Find Your Calling and Get Your Feet Wet! 77
Session 4:
Facing Our Challenges,
Conquering Our Fears 109
Session 5:
Good News for Cave Dwellers 139
Session 6:
Learning to Wait on Our Big God 171
Contents
I want to invite you to go for a walk.
The Bible records many instances when God asked people to walk
with him. There was the hard walk Abraham took with his son
Isaac on the road to Moriah. The liberating walk Moses and the
Israelites took through the Red Sea, followed by the frustrating,
forty-year walk through the desert. And dont forget Joshuas
triumphant walk around Jericho. Or the disciples illuminating
walk to Emmaus. The list goes on.
Perhaps the most unforgettable walk of all was Peters walk when
he stepped out of a boat one stormy night and walked on the water.
When Peter went treading on the waves, I think he was experi-
encing walking at its finest.
Peters walk stands as an invitation to everyone who, like him,
wants to step out in faith and experience more of the power and
presence of God. Water-walking is a picture of doing with Gods
help what we could never do on our own.
I believe there is some aspect of your life in which God is calling
you to walk with and toward him. During these six sessions, you
will learn the skills essential to water-walking: discerning Gods
call, transcending fear, risking faith, managing failure, and
trusting God. When you are through, my hope is that you, like
Peter, will accept Gods invitation to go for a walk on the water.
John Ortberg
7
Preface
This Leaders Guide is divided into six sessions approximately fifty-
two minutes in length. Each session corresponds to a videotape
presentation, and sessions are based on the book If You Want to
Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg.
Although this guide can be used for individual study, it is designed
primarily for group study. It can be used for retreats, in small
group studies, as a Sunday school elective, and for training indi-
viduals to discover and embrace their unique gifts, to recognize
Gods calling on their lives, to face their challenges and fears, and
to experience the reality of Gods power in their lives.
BEFORE THE FIRST SESSION
Watch the videotape presentation.
Obtain the necessary Participants Guides for all participants.
Make sure you have the items listed below.
Leaders Necessities
Leaders Guide
Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Television set
Video player (stand, extension cord, etc.)
Videotape for the sessions
Watch or clock with which to monitor time
Extra pens or pencils if needed by participants
Participants Necessities
Participants Guide
Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Pen or pencil
9
How to Use This Guide
DIRECTIONS FOR THE LEADER
These directions are enclosed in shaded boxes and are not meant
to be read to participants.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Various quotes and charts provide supplementary information
that will enhance and deepen participants understanding of the
themes of the sessions. This material is not required reading to
complete the session. If your group has more time available than
the typical one-hour time slot, you may include the supplementary
information as part of your session and expand your discussion or
study. Otherwise, these quotes and charts are available as addi-
tional resources for participants who want to deepen their study
on their own.
Throughout the sessions, suggested responses follow group-
oriented questions for participants. The suggested responses pro-
vide an inkling of the responses participants may give and guide
you in emphasizing key points.
HOW EACH SESSION IS DIVIDED
Each session is divided into six main parts: Before You Lead,
Introduction, Video Presentation, Group Discovery, Personal
Journey, and Closing Meditation. A brief explanation of each part
follows.
1. BEFORE YOU LEAD
Synopsis
Summarizes the material presented in each session.
Key Points of This Session
Highlights the key points on which you will want to focus.
Suggested Reading
Links each session to the related material in the book If You Want
to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John
Ortberg.
Session Outline
Provides an overview of the content, activities, and time frame.
10 If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat Leaders Guide
2. INTRODUCTION
Welcome
Welcomes participants to the session.
Whats to Come
A brief, introductory summary you may choose to use.
Questions to Think About
Designed to help you guide participants in thinking about the
theme or themes that will be covered. A corresponding page is
included in the Participants Guide.
3. VIDEO PRESENTATION
During this time, you and the participants will watch the video
and take notes. Some key themes have been highlighted.
4. GROUP DISCOVERY
In this section, you will guide participants in thinking through the
key themes and information presented in each session. You may
want to use the material in the order in which it is presented, but
feel free to amplify various points with your own material and
illustrations.
The Leaders Guide includes copies of the corresponding pages in
the Participants Guide. Space is also provided in which to write
additional planning notes. Having the Participants Guide pages in
front of you allows you to view the pages the participants are
seeing as you talk without having to hold two books at the same
time. It also lets you know where the participants are in their book
when someone asks you a question.
Video Highlights
Use these questions with the entire group. This will guide partic-
ipants in verbally responding to key points and themes covered in
the video. Some groups will discuss questions more freely and
extensively than others. Questions are provided to keep discussion
moving. If you are leading an expressive group and find that you
cannot complete as many questions as are provided, select key
questions for your group to explore.
Large Group Exploration
During this time, you will guide the group in exploring a theme
or topic related to the session. Often a few introductory sentences
are provided that set the stage for discussion. Various approaches
are used to stimulate learning and discussion. Sometimes ques-
tions are offered. Other times, participants will complete charts
or discuss Bible passages.
Small Group Exploration
At this time, if your group has more than seven participants, you
will break the group into smaller groups (three to five people).
Participants will use their Bibles and will write down and discuss
their responses to the questions. If time allows, representatives of
the small groups can share with the entire group the key ideas
their group discussed.
Group Discussion
Bring the entire group together to discuss additional questions that
wrap up the session. As time allows, feel free to use the material
as it isor adapt it to the needs of your group.
5. PERSONAL JOURNEY
During this time, participants will have the opportunity to con-
sider what theyve just discovered and how it applies to their daily
lives. Since this is a private, meditative exercise, participants
should not talk among themselves. Participants also have the
opportunity to continue their journey on their own by completing
the To Do on Your Own portion.
6. CLOSING MEDITATION
You may close each session with the prayer provided, or use a
different prayer.
TIPS FOR LEADING AND PROMOTING GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Allow group members to participate at their own comfort levels.
Not everyone needs to answer every question. It may take some
participants a while to feel comfortable enough to share.
2. Ask questions with interest and warmth, then listen carefully to
individual responses. Remember: it is important for participants
to think through the questions and ideas presented as part of the
process. The process is more important than specific answers,
which is why suggested responses are provided.
3. Be flexible. Reword questions if you wish. Choose to spend
more or less time and add or delete questions to accommodate
the needs and time frame of your group.
4. Suggest that participants take time to explore any supplemen-
tary material that time did not permit them to explore within
a sessionand to review previous sessions. This review will
be particularly helpful if each session is being done weekly,
for example, rather than all six sessions being done in a retreat
setting.
5. Allow for (and expect) differences of opinion and experience.
6. Do not allow anyone to monopolize discussion. If such a situ-
ation arises, guide the discussion toward other people and
perhaps speak to the person afterward about the importance
of allowing everyone to share.
7. If a heated discussion begins on a theological topic, suggest
that the participants involved continue their discussion with
you after the session is over.
8. If you have time, read If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got
to Get Out of the Boat before or in conjunction with these ses-
sions. Obviously not everything in the book could be included
in these sessions. Reading the book will provide background
that will help you in leading the discussions.
9. Monitor the time frames without being heavy-handed. Although
its important to keep each session moving, remember that the
needs of your group may cause you to spend more or less time
on a particular part of a session. Also, keep in mind that the
content of each session has been designed to enable participants
to cover all of the intended material.
10. If time allows, invite participants to talk with you before or after
the sessions about what they are learning and thinking. What
an encouragement you can be to themby listening, sharing
ideas, sharing your experiences, etc.
11. Approach these sessions with a joyful heart. Many people
have benefited from the opportunity to deepen their relation-
ship with God and walk on water in daily life as a result of
having read If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get
Out of the Boat.
12. Do not be afraid of silence. Allow people time to thinkdont
panic. Sometimes ten seconds of silence seems like an eternity.
Remember, some of this material requires time to processso
give people time to digest a question and then respond.
13. Last, but certainly not least, ask people to pray for you and
your group as you go through these sessions. God wants to do
great things in your lives!
Whats Water-Walking?
SESSI ON ONE
BEFORE YOU LEAD
Synopsis
This six-session series focuses on events that took place during a
stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. The biblical account of these
events includes the disciples struggling all night to sail through
a fierce storm, Jesus walking through the stormy darkness to
meet his disciples, and Peters accepting Jesus invitation to step
out of the boat and walk on the water with him.
Today, just as it was for Jesus disciples, it is often easier to trust
in things, people, or circumstances rather than God. We try to
create security in such comfortable boats as money, success,
relationships, and secret addictions. Our boats can appear to be
safe, secure, and comfortable compared with the seemingly risky
chaos outside them. Yet apart from God, even our best-built boats
cannot protect us.
In this session, youll guide participants in realizing that they, like
Peter and the other disciples, face an important choice: to accept
Jesus invitation to step into the adventure and risk of life outside
the boat or to cling to the safety of the boat and try to avoid fear
and risk.
As unlikely as it may seem, real security comes when we step out
of the boat and learn that God can be trusted fully. Stepping out
of the boat is the only way to real growth. Its the only way true
faith develops. Its part of discovering and obeying our calling. And
its where we find Jesus.
Jesus used that eventful night to teach his disciples that he could
be trustedand that they needed to get out of the boat and walk
with him! Today, just as he did that stormy night on the Sea of
Galilee, Jesus is still looking for people who will get out of the boat
and walk with him. If we do, we will face storms. We will have to
take risks. We may even fail. But we can trust Jesus to be there to
reach out and help us.
Key Points of This Session
1. God has given us a tremendous invitation to step out in faith
and walk with him. When we step out of the boatthe
comfort and security we cherishwe experience the unforget-
table thrill of doing something with God that we could never
accomplish on our own.
2. Its always risky to step out of the boat. It is always scary to leave
the security of the boat and face the churning waters of the
storm. The risk of failure can loom bigger than life. But facing
fear is the price we must pay for growth, and failure has less to
do with what happens to us than it does how we judge what has
happened.
3. Jesus is looking for those who love and trust him enough to step
out of the boat and walk with him.
Suggested Reading
Chapter 1 of If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out
of the Boat
Materials
A television set, VCR player, video, pens and pencils, Bibles
SESSION OUTLINE
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
Welcome
Whats to Come
II. Video Presentation: Whats Water-Walking? (14 minutes)
III. Group Discovery (27 minutes)
Video Highlights (4 minutes)
Large Group Exploration (9 minutes)
Small Group Exploration (9 minutes)
Group Discussion (5 minutes)
IV. Personal Journey (5 minutes)
V. Closing Meditation (1 minute)
Session One: Whats Water-Walking? 17
52 MINUTES
There is somethingSomeoneinside us who tells us there is more to life than
sitting in the boat. You were made for something more. . . . There is something inside
you that wants to walk on the water to leave the comfort of routine existence
and abandon yourself to the high adventure of following God.
John Ortberg
INTRODUCTION
Welcome
Whats to Come
One night on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus disciples struggled for
hours to sail their boat through a fierce storm. Suddenly Jesus
came into view, walking toward them through the stormy dark-
ness. During our time together today, well explore what hap-
pened when Peter boldly accepted Jesus invitation to step out
of the boat and join him on the water. Well consider what it
means for us to accept Jesus invitation to step out in faith and
walk with him. Well look at the risk and the promise of being
a water-walker.
Lets begin by considering a few questions related to water-
walking. These questions are on page 10.
Participants Guide page 9.
Welcome participants to If You Want to Walk on Water,
Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat session 1, Whats Water-
Walking?
18
SESSI ON ONE
5 MINUTES
There is som ething Som eone inside us
w ho tells us there is m ore to life than sitting
in the boat. You w ere m ade for som ething
m ore.... There is som ething inside you
that w ants to w alk on the w ater to leave
the com fort of routine existence and aban-
don yourself to the high adventure of
follow ing G od.
John O rtberg
9
SESSION ONE
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT
1. What ki nds of thi ngs do you trust i n, especi al l y when l i fe
gets stor my, that hel p you feel comfor tabl e and secur e
r ather than fear ful ? Be honest!
2. Expl ai n why you do or do not bel i eve that God cal l s
ever yone who fol l ows hi m to step out i n fai th and do
somethi ng extr aor di nar y. What does steppi ng out i n
fai th l ook l i ke?
3. How woul d you defi ne fai l ur e?
4. Thus far i n l i fe, what has been your exper i ence wi th
fai l ur e ? What has fai l ur e kept you fr om doi ng? What
has fai l ur e done for you?
10 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participants G uide
PLANNING NOTES
1. What kinds of things do you trust in, especially when life gets
stormy, that help you feel comfortable and secure rather than
fearful? Be honest!
Suggested Response: Responses will vary but may include such
things as money, career path, investments, supportive relation-
ships. This question begins to introduce participants to the high
price we payand the risks we takewhen we trust in things or
people rather than in God.
2. Explain why you do or do not believe that God calls everyone
who follows him to step out in faith and do something extra-
ordinary. What does stepping out in faith look like?
Suggested Response: Responses will vary, of course. But in
preparation for the next questions, it is important that partici-
pants begin to define stepping out in faith, knowing why it is
important, describing what it looks like, and identifying what
may be at risk.
3. How would you define failure?
Suggested Response: Responses will vary. Part of this session
deals with our perceptions regarding failure, so it will be help-
ful for participants to begin thinking about their personal
definitions and perceptions of failure.
4. Thus far in life, what has been your experience with failure?
What has failure kept you from doing? What has failure done
for you?
Suggested Response: Experiences of failure may vary greatly.
Some participants may have very negative perceptions of fail-
ure and may even be paralyzed by past failure. Other partici-
pants may view failure as an opportunity, a stepping-stone to
As time permits, ask two or more of the following questions
and solicit responses from group members.
PLANNING NOTES
something greater. Whats important is that participants
express and listen to different perceptions and begin to connect
with the risks of water-walking.
Lets keep these ideas in mind as we view the video. There is space
to take notes on page 11.
VIDEO PRESENTATION: WHATS WATER-WALKING?
Video Observations
Images of a balloon ride
Following Jesus: choosing between comfort and growth
Did Peter failor succeed?
Discovering the power of Jesus
14 MINUTES
VIDEO OBSERVATIONS
Images of a bal l oon r i de
Fol l owi ng Jesus: choosi ng between comfor t and gr owth
Di d Peter fai l or succeed?
Di scover i ng the power of Jesus
Session O ne: W hats W ater-W alking? 11
PLANNING NOTES
GROUP DISCOVERY
Please turn to page 12.
Video Highlights 4 minutes
1. When John Ortberg and his wife took their hot-air balloon
ride, the competence of their pilot became very important to
them. Why is it so important for us to know the competence
and trustworthiness of whoever pilots our lives?
Suggested Response: Whenever we allow someone else to take
control, we take a risk. If the pilot is experienced and trust-
worthy, we can relax and trust him to care for us. But if the pilot
is inexperienced or is not trustworthy, our welfare is at risk.
When we step out of the boat, were counting on Jesus to come
through for us. We are counting on his character and strength
to lead us and rescue us if we fall.
2. Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat and walk with him
to do something Peter could not do on his ownand Peter
couldnt resist the opportunity. Jesus is still looking for people
As time permits, ask one or more of the following questions,
which directly relate to the video the participants have just
seen.
If your group has seven or more members, use the
Video Highlights with the entire group (4 minutes), then com-
plete the Large Group Exploration (9 minutes) and break into
small groups of three to five people for the Small Group
Exploration (9 minutes). At the end, bring everyone together
for the closing Group Discussion (5 minutes).
If your group has fewer than seven members, begin with the
Video Highlights (4 minutes), then complete both the Large
Group Exploration (9 minutes) and the Small Group
Exploration (9 minutes). Wrap up your discovery time with the
Group Discussion (5 minutes).
27 MINUTES
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
1. When John Or tber g and hi s wi fe took thei r hot-ai r
bal l oon r i de, the competence of thei r pi l ot became ver y
i mportant to them. Why i s i t so i mportant for us to know
the competence and tr ustwor thi ness of whoever pi l ots
our l i ves?
2. Jesus i nvi ted Peter to step out of the boat and wal k wi th
hi mto do somethi ng Peter coul d not do on hi s own
and Peter coul dnt r esi st the oppor tuni ty. Jesus i s sti l l
l ooki ng for peopl e who l ove and tr ust hi m enough to
step out of the boat. What do you fi nd i ntr i gui ng about
steppi ng out of the boat?
3. What ar e your thoughts on John Or tber gs comments
about fai l ur e, par ti cul ar l y that fai l ur e has mor e to do
wi th the way we vi ew the outcome of an event than
what actual l y happened?
PLANNING NOTES
who love and trust him enough to step out of the boat. What do
you find intriguing about stepping out of the boat?
Suggested Response: The specifics will vary, but people who love
Jesus enough and trust him enough to leave what is safe and
comfortable are drawn by a powerful calling. Ask participants
to share how they feel about following Gods calling.
3. What are your thoughts on John Ortbergs comments about
failure, particularly that failure has more to do with the way
we view the outcome of an event than what actually happened?
Suggested Response: Participants may agree or disagree. The
point is that we can view our attempts as failures or as stepping-
stones that lead toward success and increased faith. So much
depends on our perspective.
Please turn to page 13 and we will take a closer look at what
happened to Jesus disciples during that dark, stormy night.
Large Group Exploration 9 minutes
An Adventure in the Dark
Lets take a closer look at what happened when Jesus revealed
himself to his disciples as they sailed across the stormy Sea of
Galilee, because that event matters a great deal to us today. We too
have the opportunity to walk with Jesus in places we wouldnt
dream of going on our own. Like each of the disciples, we must
choose how we will respond to God. Will we sit in the boat, like the
eleven disciples? Or will we, like Peter, leave the security of the boat
and give God the opportunity to use us in extraordinary ways?
1. When Jesus told the disciples to sail to the other side of the Sea
of Galilee without him, they obeyed. But what happened as
they sailed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mark 6:4550.)
Suggested Response: A terrible storm with gale-force winds came
up. While they strained at the oars against the wind, they saw
Jesus walking toward them on the water. Thinking he was a
ghost, they were so terrified that they cried out.
LARGE GROUP EXPLORATION
A n A d v e n tu re i n th e D a rk
Lets take a cl oser l ook at what happened when Jesus
r eveal ed hi msel f to hi s di sci pl es as they sai l ed acr oss the
stormy Sea of Gal i l ee, because that event matters a great deal
to us today. We too have the opportuni ty to wal k wi th Jesus
i n pl aces we woul dnt dream of goi ng on our own. Li ke each
of the di sci pl es, we must choose how we wi l l respond to God.
Wi l l we si t i n the boat, l i ke the el even di sci pl es?Or wi l l we,
l i ke Peter , l eave the secur i ty of the boat and gi ve God the
opportuni ty to use us i n extraordi nary ways?
1. When Jesus tol d the di sci pl es to sai l to the other si de of
the Sea of Gal i l ee wi thout hi m, they obeyed. But what
happened as they sai l ed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mar k
6:4550.)
2. What di d Jesus say to them, and why i s thi s si gni fi cant
today? (See Matthew 14:27.)
PLANNING NOTES
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
1. When John Or tber g and hi s wi fe took thei r hot-ai r
bal l oon r i de, the competence of thei r pi l ot became ver y
i mportant to them. Why i s i t so i mportant for us to know
the competence and tr ustwor thi ness of whoever pi l ots
our l i ves?
2. Jesus i nvi ted Peter to step out of the boat and wal k wi th
hi mto do somethi ng Peter coul d not do on hi s own
and Peter coul dnt r esi st the oppor tuni ty. Jesus i s sti l l
l ooki ng for peopl e who l ove and tr ust hi m enough to
step out of the boat. What do you fi nd i ntr i gui ng about
steppi ng out of the boat?
3. What ar e your thoughts on John Or tber gs comments
about fai l ur e, par ti cul ar l y that fai l ur e has mor e to do
wi th the way we vi ew the outcome of an event than
what actual l y happened?
1 2 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participants G uide
2. What did Jesus say to them, and why is this significant today?
(See Matthew 14:27.)
Suggested Response: Jesus told them to have courage, told them
who he was, and then told them not to be afraid. The take
courage, do not fear, I am with you theme recurs throughout
Scripture, especially when those who obey God face difficulties.
It is no less true or important today than during biblical times.
3. From Peters perspective, recap what happened after Jesus told
the disciples who he was. What is significant about Peters
response to Jesus? (See Matthew 14:2832.)
Suggested Response: Peter didnt risk everything and jump into
the water right away. First, he acted wisely by wanting to know
whether Jesus thought getting out of the boat was a good idea.
When Jesus told Peter to come to him, Peter got out and started
walking toward Jesus. Then he saw the wind, became scared,
and began to sink. So he called out to Jesus, who caught Peter
by the hand and then asked him why he doubted. When Jesus
and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind immediately died
down. As impulsive as we know Peter was, its interesting to note
that he kept directing his attention toward Jesus to learn what
to do.
4. What impact did this event have on the disciples? (See Matthew
14:33; Mark 6:51.)
Suggested Response: They saw Jesus in a way they had never
seen him before. They were amazed. They recognized him for
who he truly wasthe Son of Godand responded in worship.
5. What impact do you think this event had on Peter?
Suggested Response: Peter abandoned himself completely to
Jesus, something the other disciples did not do. He risked every-
thing and experienced firsthand the glory of walking on the
water. Because of his faithful steps, he succeeded in doing, in
Gods power, what he could never have done on his own. No
doubt he remembered that miracle and the lessons learned for
the rest of his life.
3. Fr om Peter s per specti ve, r ecap what happened after
Jesus tol d the di sci pl es who he was. What i s si gni fi cant
about Peters response to Jesus?(See Matthew 14:2832.)
4. What i mpact di d thi s event have on the di sci pl es? (See
Matthew 14:33; Mar k 6:51.)
5. What i mpact do you thi nk thi s event had on Peter ?
Who DeservestheCredit?
Itsnot thecriticwhocounts; not themanwhopointsout howthe
strongmanstumbles, or wherethedoer of deedscouldhavedone
better. Thecredit belongstothemanwhoisactuallyinthearena
who, at best, knowsintheendthetriumphof great achievement, and
who, at theworst, if hefails, at least failswhiledaringgreatly. Sothat
hisplacewill never bewiththosecoldtimidsoulswhoknowneither
victorynor defeat.
TheodoreRoosevelt
PLANNING NOTES
LARGE GROUP EXPLORATION
A n A d v e n tu re i n th e D a rk
Lets take a cl oser l ook at what happened when Jesus
r eveal ed hi msel f to hi s di sci pl es as they sai l ed acr oss the
stormy Sea of Gal i l ee, because that event matters a great deal
to us today. We too have the opportuni ty to wal k wi th Jesus
i n pl aces we woul dnt dream of goi ng on our own. Li ke each
of the di sci pl es, we must choose how we wi l l respond to God.
Wi l l we si t i n the boat, l i ke the el even di sci pl es?Or wi l l we,
l i ke Peter , l eave the secur i ty of the boat and gi ve God the
opportuni ty to use us i n extraordi nary ways?
1. When Jesus tol d the di sci pl es to sai l to the other si de of
the Sea of Gal i l ee wi thout hi m, they obeyed. But what
happened as they sai l ed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mar k
6:4550.)
2. What di d Jesus say to them, and why i s thi s si gni fi cant
today? (See Matthew 14:27.)
Session O ne: W hats W ater-W alking? 1 3
Person
Abraham
Moses
Joshua
Joshua
Twelve spies
Rich young ruler
Water-Walking
Invitation
Sacrifice his son Isaac. (See
Genesis 22.)
Lead the Israelites out of Egypt,
which meant crossing the Red Sea
with the Egyptian army in hot
pursuit. (See Exodus 3:710 and
chapter 14.)
Lead the Israelites across the
flooded Jordan River with the ark
of the covenant carried by the
priests at the front of the people.
(See Joshua 3.)
Instead of going into battle, the
Israelites were to march around
the walled city of Jericho with the
ark of the covenant for six days,
then march around the city seven
times on the seventh day and
blow horns and shout when the
trumpet sounded. (See Joshua 6.)
Believe that despite the frighten-
ing obstacles in Canaan, God
would be faithful to give the
Israelites the Promised Land and
all of its goodness. (See Numbers
1314.)
Give up his material possessions
and follow Jesus. (See Matthew
19:1622.)
The Result
God honored Abrahams faith and
provided a ram for the sacrifice.
God parted the Red Sea, allowing
the Israelites to cross on dry land,
then drowned the Egyptian army.
As soon as the priests feet
touched the water of the Jordan
River, it stopped flowing and the
people crossed on dry land.
God made the wall of Jericho fall
down so that the Israelites could
overtake the citythe first key
barrier to entering the Promised
Land.
Ten of them refused to believe
God and his promises and
perished in the wilderness.
He refused and went away
saddened. We do not know
what took place in his life.
Highlights from the History of Water-Walking
For a very long time God has been in the business of inviting people to be water-walkers. Here are
a few examples to consider
WHO DESERVES THE CREDIT?
Its not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could
have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . . who, at best, knows in the end the triumph
of great achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place will never be
with those cold timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Highlights fromtheHistory of Water-Walking
For avery longtimeGod hasbeen in thebusinessof
invitingpeople to be water-walkers. Here are a few
examplesto consider:
Person
Abraham
Moses
Joshua
Water-Walking
Invitation
Sacrifice his son Isaac.
(SeeGenesis22.)
LeadtheIsraelitesout of
Egypt, which meant
crossing the Red Sea
with theEgyptian army
in hot pursuit. (See
Exodus3:710andchap-
ter 14.)
LeadtheIsraelitesacross
thefloodedJordan River
with the ark of the
covenant carried bythe
priestsat thefront of the
people. (SeeJoshua3.)
The Result
GodhonoredAbrahams
faith andprovidedaram
for thesacrifice.
GodpartedtheRedSea,
allowingtheIsraelitesto
cross on dry land, then
drowned the Egyptian
army.
As soon as the priests
feet touched the water
of the Jordan River, it
stopped flowingand the
people crossed on dry
land.
Joshua Instead of going into
battle, theIsraeliteswere
to march around the
walled city of Jericho
with the ark of the
covenant for six days,
then march around the
cityseven timeson the
seventh day and blow
horns and shout when
the trumpet sounded.
(SeeJoshua6.)
God made the wall of
Jericho fall down so that
theIsraelitescouldover-
takethecitythefirst
key barrier to entering
thePromised Land.
Twelvespies
Rich youngruler
Believethat despitethe
frighteningobstaclesin
Canaan, God would be
faithful to give the
Israelites the Promised
Land and all of itsgood-
ness. (See Numbers
1314.)
Give up his material
possessions and follow
Jesus. (See Matthew
19:1622.)
Ten of themrefused to
believe God and his
promises and perished
in thewilderness.
He refused and went
away saddened. We do
not know what took
placein hislife.
PLANNING NOTES
3. Fr om Peter s per specti ve, r ecap what happened after
Jesus tol d the di sci pl es who he was. What i s si gni fi cant
about Peters response to Jesus?(See Matthew 14:2832.)
4. What i mpact di d thi s event have on the di sci pl es? (See
Matthew 14:33; Mar k 6:51.)
5. What i mpact do you thi nk thi s event had on Peter ?
Who DeservestheCredit?
Itsnot thecriticwhocounts; not themanwhopointsout howthe
strongmanstumbles, or wherethedoer of deedscouldhavedone
better. Thecredit belongstothemanwhoisactuallyinthearena
who, at best, knowsintheendthetriumphof great achievement, and
who, at theworst, if hefails, at least failswhiledaringgreatly. Sothat
hisplacewill never bewiththosecoldtimidsoulswhoknowneither
victorynor defeat.
TheodoreRoosevelt
1 4 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participants G uide
Lets break into small groups of three to five people for our Small
Group Exploration, which begins on page 17. I will give you a one-
minute warning before we rejoin for our Group Discussion.
Small Group Exploration 9 minutes
Topic A
Where Do We Place Our Trust When We Are Afraid?
God knows how fearful we are, and he sometimes uses uncom-
fortable, real-world challenges to cause us to choose where we
will place our trust. John Ortberg explains it this way: The deci-
sion to grow [spiritually] always involves a choice between risk
and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must
renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life. Lets explore
what God says about fear and choosing where we place our trust.
1. What happens when we place our trust in boats of our own
making instead of placing our trust in God? (See Psalm 49:113.)
Suggested Response: We all will die one day. We cant take the
money weve made with us, nor can it buy eternal life. Trusting
in ourselves and our perishable riches or relationships isnt the
answer. God alone gives eternal life.
2. What did David realize about finding security in God rather
than in things? (See Psalm 20:67; 118:69.)
Suggested Response: David realized that God was all the pro-
tection he needed and that it was far better to trust in Gods
saving power than in people, chariots, and horses (symbols of
security and power in those days).
Please note there are two topics to explore in this session.
Assign one topic to half of the small groups, the other topic
to the other half. You may want to have a representative from
each group share their discoveries at the beginning of the
Group Discussion that follows.
SMALL GROUP EXPLORATION
Top i c A
W h e re D o We P l a c e O u r T ru st W h e n We A re A fra i d ?
God knows how fear ful we ar e, and he someti mes uses
uncomfortabl e, real -worl d chal l enges to cause us to choose
wher e we wi l l pl ace our tr ust. John Or tber g expl ai ns i t thi s
way: The deci si on to gr ow [spi r i tual l y] al ways i nvol ves a
choi ce between r i sk and comfor t. Thi s means that to be a
fol l ower of Jesus you must r enounce comfor t as the ul ti -
mate val ue of your l i fe. Lets expl or e what God says about
fear and choosi ng wher e we pl ace our tr ust.
1. What happens when we pl ace our trust i n boats of our
own maki ng i nstead of pl aci ng our tr ust i n God? (See
Psal m 49:113.)
2. What di d Davi d r eal i ze about fi ndi ng secur i ty i n God
rather than i n thi ngs? (See Psal m 20:67; 118:69.)
3. What do the fol l owi ng ver ses r eveal about God?
a. Psal m 18:13
PLANNING NOTES
3. What do the following verses reveal about God?
a. Psalm 18:13
Suggested Response: God is our strength, our protector, and our
deliverer. We can find refuge in him.
b. Psalm 56:34
Suggested Response: We can trust in God when we are afraid.
c. Jeremiah 17:78
Suggested Response: When we trust in the Lord, he will bless us.
When we place our confidence in him, we will grow strong,
receive spiritual nourishment, and be fruitful. We will be able
to endure difficult times.
4. What has God said to his people over and over again, and why
do you think he repeated it? (See Genesis 15:1; 21:17; Joshua
8:1; Daniel 10:12.)
Suggested Response: Over and overto Abraham, Hagar, Joshua,
Daniel (and many others in the Bible)God told them not to be
afraid. God is well aware of how frightening it is to step out in
faith and obey him. He is trustworthy and continually reminds us
that we dont need to be afraid when we walk with him.
Topic B
What Happened When These People Got Out of Their Boats?
The Bible records the stories of many people who had to choose
whether to trust God and step out in faith. Lets explore what
happened to two men who, like Peter, decided to trust God and
leave behind the security, comfort, and safety they had tried to
provide for themselves.
Moses
1. What happened when Mosesthe adopted son of the Pharaohs
daughtertook matters into his own hands when he saw an
Israelite being mistreated by an Egyptian? (See Exodus 2:10
15; 3:1.)
Suggested Response: Moses murdered the Egyptian and in turn
was a target for murder. To save his life, he fled Egypt and spent
b. Psal m 56:34
c. Jer emi ah 17:78
4. What has God sai d to hi s peopl e over and over agai n,
and why do you thi nk he r epeated i t? (See Genesi s 15:1;
21:17; Joshua 8:1; Dani el 10:12.)
Top i c B
W h a t H a p p e n e d W h e n T h e se P e o p l e G o t O u t o f T h e i r
B o a ts?
The Bi bl e r ecor ds the stor i es of many peopl e who had to
choose whether to tr ust God and step out i n fai th. Lets
expl ore what happened to two men who, l i ke Peter, deci ded
to tr ust God and l eave behi nd the secur i ty, comfor t, and
safety they had tr i ed to pr ovi de for themsel ves.
Moses
1. What happened when Mosesthe adopted son of the
Phar aohs daughter took matter s i nto hi s own hands
PLANNING NOTES
SMALL GROUP EXPLORATION
Top i c A
W h e re D o We P l a c e O u r T ru st W h e n We A re A fra i d ?
God knows how fear ful we ar e, and he someti mes uses
uncomfortabl e, real -worl d chal l enges to cause us to choose
wher e we wi l l pl ace our tr ust. John Or tber g expl ai ns i t thi s
way: The deci si on to gr ow [spi r i tual l y] al ways i nvol ves a
choi ce between r i sk and comfor t. Thi s means that to be a
fol l ower of Jesus you must r enounce comfor t as the ul ti -
mate val ue of your l i fe. Lets expl or e what God says about
fear and choosi ng wher e we pl ace our tr ust.
1. What happens when we pl ace our trust i n boats of our
own maki ng i nstead of pl aci ng our tr ust i n God? (See
Psal m 49:113.)
2. What di d Davi d r eal i ze about fi ndi ng secur i ty i n God
rather than i n thi ngs? (See Psal m 20:67; 118:69.)
3. What do the fol l owi ng ver ses r eveal about God?
a. Psal m 18:13
years tending sheep in the desertquite a change from being the
Pharaohs son!
2. How did God appear to Moses, and what did he want Moses
to do? (See Exodus 3:14, 910.)
Suggested Response: God appeared to Moses through a burning
bush, a supernatural phenomenon that got Moses attention.
When Moses responded, God informed him that he was to go
back to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Now thats
a step of faith!
3. How did Moses respond when God presented the invitation to
step out of the boat? (See Exodus 3:1113; 4:13.)
Suggested Response: Moses was afraid, offered excuses, and
repeatedly asked God to send someone else.
4. Finally Moses took the plunge and returned to Egypt to urge
Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. What happened as a result of
Gods power and the shepherds water-walking obedience?
(See Exodus 12:3137.)
Suggested Response: Pharaoh let the Israelites leave Egypt, and
the Israelites took much of Egypts wealth with them.
Gideon
5. Where was Gideon trying to find comfort and safety when God
approached him? (See Judges 6:11.)
Suggested Response: Gideon was hiding in a winepress, thresh-
ing wheat and hoping the Midianites wouldnt find him.
6. Gideon was afraid to take the challenge the angel of the Lord
presented to him. How did God respond to his fears? (See
Judges 6:1218; 7:915.)
Suggested Response: God promised to be with Gideon and
patiently bore with Gideons fears and fledgling faith. God gave
Gideon the signs he requested so that Gideon would know for
sure that it was God talking to him. Even after Gideon started
taking steps of faith, he still experienced times of fear. Before the
when he saw an I sr ael i te bei ng mi str eated by an
Egypti an? (See Exodus 2:1015; 3:1.)
2. How di d God appear to Moses, and what di d he want
Moses to do? (See Exodus 3:14, 910.)
3. How di d Moses r espond when God pr esented the i nvi -
tati on to step out of the boat?(See Exodus 3:1113; 4:13.)
4. Fi nal l y Moses took the pl unge and r etur ned to Egypt to
ur ge Phar aoh to l et the Isr ael i tes go. What happened as
a r esul t of Gods power and the shepher ds water -
wal ki ng obedi ence? (See Exodus 12:3137.)
Gideon
5. Wher e was Gi deon tr yi ng to fi nd comfor t and safety
when God appr oached hi m? (See Judges 6:11.)
6. Gi deon was afr ai d to take the chal l enge the angel of the
Lor d pr esented to hi m. How di d God r espond to hi s
fear s? (See Judges 6:1218; 7:915.)
7. How di d God use thi s i nsi gni fi cant far mer who fi nal l y
deci ded to obey and tr ust hi m? (See Judges 7:1624.)
ThePlusesof Water-Walking
It istheonlywaytoreal growth.
It isthewaytruefaithdevelops.
It isthealternativetoboredomandstagnation.
It ispart of discoveringandobeyingour calling.
Thewater iswhereJesusis!
PLANNING NOTES
b. Psal m 56:34
c. Jer emi ah 17:78
4. What has God sai d to hi s peopl e over and over agai n,
and why do you thi nk he r epeated i t? (See Genesi s 15:1;
21:17; Joshua 8:1; Dani el 10:12.)
Top i c B
W h a t H a p p e n e d W h e n T h e se P e o p l e G o t O u t o f T h e i r
B o a ts?
The Bi bl e r ecor ds the stor i es of many peopl e who had to
choose whether to tr ust God and step out i n fai th. Lets
expl ore what happened to two men who, l i ke Peter, deci ded
to tr ust God and l eave behi nd the secur i ty, comfor t, and
safety they had tr i ed to pr ovi de for themsel ves.
Moses
1. What happened when Mosesthe adopted son of the
Phar aohs daughter took matter s i nto hi s own hands
planned attack on the Midianites, God told Gideon what to do
if he was afraid. Gideon did it and was greatly encouraged.
7. How did God use this insignificant farmer who finally
decided to trust and obey him? (See Judges 7:1624.)
Suggested Response: God used Gideon and the three hundred
men with him to rout the Midianite army. The frightened,
farmer-turned-soldier ended up helping to free his people from
Midianite bondage.
The Pluses of Water-Walking
It is the only way to real growth.
It is the way true faith develops.
It is the alternative to boredom and stagnation.
It is part of discovering and obeying our calling.
The water is where Jesus is!
Group Discussion 5 minutes
Now its time for us to wrap up our discovery time. Please turn to
page 21.
1. Fear of failure is one reason many of us dont step out of the
boat. Some people view Peters walk on the water as a failure,
but John Ortberg points out that there were eleven bigger
failures sitting in the boat. In what ways does our perception
of failure affect our willingness to start water-walking?
As time permits, discuss the following questions to help
participants explore their understanding of the concepts
covered in this session.
Let participants know when one minute remains.
When time is up, ask the groups to rejoin as one group.
GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Fear of fai l ur e i s one r eason many of us dont step out of
the boat. Some peopl e vi ew Peter s wal k on the water as
a fai l ur e, but John Or tber g poi nts out that ther e wer e
el even bi gger fai l ur es si tti ng i n the boat. In what ways
does our per cepti on of fai l ur e affect our wi l l i ngness to
star t water -wal ki ng?
Think about It
Failureisnot anevent, but rather ajudgment about anevent. Failure
isnot somethingthat happenstousor alabel weattachtothings. It
isawaywethink about outcomes.
JohnOrtberg
PLANNING NOTES
Gideon
5. Wher e was Gi deon tr yi ng to fi nd comfor t and safety
when God appr oached hi m? (See Judges 6:11.)
6. Gi deon was afr ai d to take the chal l enge the angel of the
Lor d pr esented to hi m. How di d God r espond to hi s
fear s? (See Judges 6:1218; 7:915.)
7. How di d God use thi s i nsi gni fi cant far mer who fi nal l y
deci ded to obey and tr ust hi m? (See Judges 7:1624.)
ThePlusesof Water-Walking
It istheonlywaytoreal growth.
It isthewaytruefaithdevelops.
It isthealternativetoboredomandstagnation.
It ispart of discoveringandobeyingour calling.
Thewater iswhereJesusis!
Think about It
Failure is not an event, but rather a judgment about an event. Failure is not something that happens to us or a label we attach
to things. It is a way we think about outcomes.
John Ortberg
2. How much does our view of Gods character and competence
influence the degree to which we are willing to trust him and,
in faith, to accept his calling and take risks?
3. Would you agree that sometimes the boats we createwhatever
gives us an illusion of control, whatever or whomever (besides
God) we are tempted to put our trust in when life is stormy
might actually be more dangerous than water-walking with
Jesus? Why or why not?
4. If we keep choosing not to step out of our boats, what happens
to us? To people around us? To our relationship with God?
PERSONAL JOURNEY: TO DO NOW
Now turn to page 23 and spend a few minutes alone with God to
consider some of the points weve discussed in this session.
1. In If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat,
John Ortberg writes, I believe that there is some aspect of your
life in which God is calling you to walk with and to him, and that
when we say yes to his calling, it sets in motion a divine dynamic
far beyond merely human power. In what way might God be
calling you to get out of your boat and step out in faith?
5 MINUTES
2. How much does our vi ew of Gods char acter and com-
petence i nfl uence the degr ee to whi ch we ar e wi l l i ng to
tr ust hi m and, i n fai th, to accept hi s cal l i ng and take
r i sks?
3. Woul d you agree that someti mes the boats we create
whatever gi ves us an i l l usi on of contr ol , whatever or
whomever (besi des God) we are tempted to put our trust
i n when l i fe i s stormymi ght actual l y be more danger-
ous than water-wal ki ng wi th Jesus? Why or why not?
4. I f we keep choosi ng not to step out of our boats, what
happens to us?To peopl e around us?To our rel ati onshi p
wi th God?
PERSONAL J OURNEY: TO DO NOW
1. In If You Want to Walk on Water, YouveGot to Get Out of
the Boat, John Or tber g wr i tes, I bel i eve that ther e i s
some aspect of your l i fe i n whi ch God i s cal l i ng you to
wal k wi th and to hi m, and that when we say yes to hi s
cal l i ng, i t sets i n moti on a di vi ne dynami c far beyond
mer el y human power. In what ways mi ght God be cal l -
i ng you to get out of your boat and step out i n fai th?
2. Usual l y anyone who begi ns water -wal ki ng has to face
per sonal fear. What deep fear s keep you fr om r eal l y
wal ki ng wi th and obeyi ng God, fr om steppi ng out i n
fai th and wi th hi s hel p doi ng what you coul d never do
on your own? Li st fear s that ar e speci fi c to the cal l i ng
you wr ote down for questi on 1.
PLANNING NOTES
GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Fear of fai l ur e i s one r eason many of us dont step out of
the boat. Some peopl e vi ew Peter s wal k on the water as
a fai l ur e, but John Or tber g poi nts out that ther e wer e
el even bi gger fai l ur es si tti ng i n the boat. In what ways
does our per cepti on of fai l ur e affect our wi l l i ngness to
star t water -wal ki ng?
Think about It
Failureisnot anevent, but rather ajudgment about anevent. Failure
isnot somethingthat happenstousor alabel weattachtothings. It
isawaywethink about outcomes.
JohnOrtberg
2. Usually anyone who begins water-walking has to face personal
fear. What deep fears keep you from really walking with and
obeying God, from stepping out in faith and with his help doing
what you could never do on your own? List fears that are
specific to the calling you wrote down for question 1.
3. Looking back on your life so far, when have you said no to
Gods call? When have you said yes? Why? What happened as
a result of those choices?
4. Which small or large steps can you begin taking this week to
get out of your boat a little each day?
PERSONAL JOURNEY: TO DO ON YOUR OWN
Youve learned a few basics about water-walking and have been
encouraged to think about your choices, your boats, and the
opportunity to water-walk. Its easy to seek comfort and create
boats, isnt it? Thats why so many people choose that path. But
God is calling you, as he calls every believer, to put your faith in
him and start getting out of your boat a little more each day.
Set aside some quiet time to think about the following questions.
There are no right or wrong answers, and nobody needs to know
your responses, unless you choose to discuss them with someone.
Whats important is that you take time to reflect on some issues that
you explored today, issues that may cause you to become uncom-
fortable or even a bit angryat yourself, God, or someone else. By
their nature, some of the boats people create are pretty ugly and
secretive. Remember, though, that God loves you just the way you
are. Whenever you are willing to get out of the boat, he is ready to
help you do things you could never accomplish on your own. One
of the first steps in the process of water-walking is assessing
honestly where you are right nowand where you want to be.
Let participants know when one minute remains.
When time is up, remind participants that they may want to
continue their journey by completing the exercise on page 25
of their Participants Guide on their own time. Then close the
session with the Closing Meditation.
3. Looki ng back on your l i fe so far , when have you sai d no
to Gods cal l ? When have you sai d yes? Why? What
happened as a r esul t of those choi ces?
4. Whi ch smal l or l ar ge steps can you begi n taki ng thi s
week to get out of your boat a l i ttl e each day?
PERSONAL J OURNEY:
TO DO ON YOUR OWN
Youve l ear ned a few basi cs about water -wal ki ng and have
been encour aged to thi nk about your choi ces, your boats,
and the oppor tuni ty to water -wal k. Its easy to seek comfor t
and create boats, i snt i t?Thats why so many peopl e choose
that path. But God i s cal l i ng you, as he cal l s ever y bel i ever ,
to put your fai th i n hi m and star t getti ng out of your boat a
l i ttl e mor e each day.
Set asi de some qui et ti me to thi nk about the fol l owi ng ques-
ti ons. There are no ri ght or wrong answers, and nobody
needs to know your responses, unl ess you choose to di scuss
them wi th someone. Whats i mportant i s that you take ti me to
refl ect on some i ssues that you expl ored today, i ssues that
may cause you to become uncomfortabl e or even a bi t angry
at yoursel f, God, or someone el se. By thei r nature, some of the
boats peopl e create are pretty ugl y and secreti ve. Remember,
though, that God l oves you j ust the way you are. Whenever
you are wi l l i ng to get out of the boat, he i s ready to hel p you
do thi ngs you coul d never accompl i sh on your own. One of
the fi rst steps i n the process of water-wal ki ng i s assessi ng
honestl y where you are ri ght nowand where you want to be.
1. Look back on your l i fe. When have you stepped up to the
pl ate, to use a basebal l anal ogy, and tr i ed to hi t the bal l ?
When have you r efused to get out of the dugout when
your name was cal l ed? Why? How have those deci si ons
i nfl uenced your l i fefor better or wor se?
PLANNING NOTES
PERSONAL JOURNEY: TO DO NOW
1. In If You Want to Walk on Water, YouveGot to Get Out of
the Boat, John Or tber g wr i tes, I bel i eve that ther e i s
some aspect of your l i fe i n whi ch God i s cal l i ng you to
wal k wi th and to hi m, and that when we say yes to hi s
cal l i ng, i t sets i n moti on a di vi ne dynami c far beyond
mer el y human power. In what ways mi ght God be cal l -
i ng you to get out of your boat and step out i n fai th?
2. Usual l y anyone who begi ns water -wal ki ng has to face
per sonal fear. What deep fear s keep you fr om r eal l y
wal ki ng wi th and obeyi ng God, fr om steppi ng out i n
fai th and wi th hi s hel p doi ng what you coul d never do
on your own? Li st fear s that ar e speci fi c to the cal l i ng
you wr ote down for questi on 1.
1. Look back on your life. When have you stepped up to the plate,
to use a baseball analogy, and tried to hit the ball? When have
you refused to get out of the dugout when your name was
called? Why? How have those decisions influenced your life
for better or worse?
2. Are you excited about your relationship with God right now?
Is it dynamic and growing, or pretty stale? Why? How might
what youve learned about water-walking start making a
difference in your relationship with God?
3. Do you think you are a risk taker or a comfort seeker? Why?
Write out some ways in which you have taken risks in your
walk with God and ways you have deliberately chosen to seek
comfort rather than take the risk of what God was calling you
to do.
4. Ask God to make your heart and mind open to what he wants
to reveal to you through this study and to give you the courage
to face whatever issues come up in the remaining sessions.
CLOSING MEDITATION
Dear God, its easier to discuss what happened to Peter during that raging
storm on the lake than it is to think honestly about the boats we create to
try to shelter ourselves and gain the illusion of control. Please help us to
become more aware of the boats we create. Show us how our boats are
affecting our ability to hear your call and how we can take steps of faith that
will lead to a stronger walk with you. Give us the courage to accept your
invitation to step out in faith and walk with you on the water. Feed our desire
to experience more of your presence and power as we walk in places we
could never walk on our own. Thank you for your promise to be with us,
to be there with a helping hand whenever we need you. In Jesus name we
pray, amen.
1 MINUTE
2. Ar e you exci ted about your r el ati onshi p wi th God r i ght
now? Is i t dynami c and gr owi ng, or pr etty stal e? Why?
How mi ght what youve l ear ned about water -wal ki ng
start maki ng a di fference i n your rel ati onshi p wi th God?
3. Do you thi nk you ar e a r i sk taker or a comfor t seeker ?
Why? Wr i te out some ways i n whi ch you have taken
r i sks i n your wal k wi th God and ways you have del i b-
er atel y chosen to seek comfor t r ather than take the r i sk
of what God was cal l i ng you to do.
4. Ask God to make your hear t and mi nd open to what he
wants to reveal to you through thi s study and to gi ve you
the cour age to face whatever i ssues come up i n the
r emai ni ng sessi ons.
PLANNING NOTES
PERSONAL JOURNEY:
TO DO ON YOUR OWN
Youve l ear ned a few basi cs about water -wal ki ng and have
been encour aged to thi nk about your choi ces, your boats,
and the oppor tuni ty to water -wal k. Its easy to seek comfor t
and create boats, i snt i t?Thats why so many peopl e choose
that path. But God i s cal l i ng you, as he cal l s ever y bel i ever ,
to put your fai th i n hi m and star t getti ng out of your boat a
l i ttl e mor e each day.
Set asi de some qui et ti me to thi nk about the fol l owi ng ques-
ti ons. There are no ri ght or wrong answers, and nobody
needs to know your responses, unl ess you choose to di scuss
them wi th someone. Whats i mportant i s that you take ti me to
refl ect on some i ssues that you expl ored today, i ssues that
may cause you to become uncomfortabl e or even a bi t angry
at yoursel f, God, or someone el se. By thei r nature, some of the
boats peopl e create are pretty ugl y and secreti ve. Remember,
though, that God l oves you j ust the way you are. Whenever
you are wi l l i ng to get out of the boat, he i s ready to hel p you
do thi ngs you coul d never accompl i sh on your own. One of
the fi rst steps i n the process of water-wal ki ng i s assessi ng
honestl y where you are ri ght nowand where you want to be.
1. Look back on your l i fe. When have you stepped up to the
pl ate, to use a basebal l anal ogy, and tr i ed to hi t the bal l ?
When have you r efused to get out of the dugout when
your name was cal l ed? Why? How have those deci si ons
i nfl uenced your l i fefor better or wor se?

Water Walkers Workbook

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Water Walkers Workbook

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Preface 7

How to Use This Guide 9

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